You found a weight loss method that works for you: the pounds are coming off, your clothes are fitting better and you’re starting to feel more confident. But, if you’ve noticed an unexpected and unflattering side effect of your weight loss is also hair loss, you’re not alone. “I see this all the time in my practice,” says Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration. “When patients lose a significant amount of weight, especially quickly, it can trigger a type of hair shedding called telogen effluvium.” It’s a common concern, especially for women, and understanding the connection is key to addressing it effectively. Read on to learn about the connection between weight loss and hair loss and how you can easily reverse it.
The 2 ways weight loss and hair loss are connected
1. You’ve lost weight quickly
Rapid weight loss acts as a shock to the system, explains Dr. Kopelman. This sudden change forces more hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle and these resting hairs begin to shed a few months down the line, often dramatically.
But, Dr. Kopelman assures, while short-term rapid weight loss can cause hair shedding, “I tell my patients not to panic because, in the long run, sustainable weight loss can actually help improve hair health—especially for people with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.” These conditions can contribute to hair thinning due to hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated insulin and androgens.
He explains that when someone loses weight in a controlled, healthy way—especially with GLP-1 medications, which help regulate insulin—their overall hormonal profile improves. In some cases, hair loss related to these metabolic issues actually slows down or even reverses. “While the initial shedding can be frustrating, I remind my patients that achieving a healthy, balanced weight can ultimately lead to better scalp and hair health in the long run.”
2. You may have some nutrient deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies also play a significant role. “Hair is a non-essential tissue,” Dr. Kopelman emphasizes. Your body prioritizes essential functions, and when it’s deprived of vital nutrients like protein, iron and key vitamins, hair growth takes a backseat. “Hair health reflects overall health,” he adds, “so if your body is under strain from extreme weight loss, your hair is likely to suffer.”
Are certain weight loss methods more likely to trigger hair loss?
Yes, insists, Dr. Kopelman. He points to crash diets, bariatric surgery and very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) as the biggest culprits. “When you suddenly cut down on calories or undergo major metabolic changes, your body shifts into survival mode, and hair growth takes a back seat.”
Important to note: While the recent popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound has also raised concerns about hair loss, Dr. Kopelman clarifies, “it’s usually not the medication itself causing shedding—it’s the rapid weight loss that comes with it.”
How to tell if your weight loss is causing your hair loss
“Unlike genetic hair loss, which tends to affect specific areas like the temples or crown, weight-loss-related hair shedding is diffuse, meaning it affects the entire scalp,” says Dr. Kopelman. “That’s why most of my patients complaining of weight-loss-related hair loss say they notice increased shedding all over the scalp, rather than just specific bald patches.” They often say things like, “I’m seeing way more hair in the shower drain,” or “I can’t believe how much hair is coming out when I brush.” Some also notice their ponytail feeling thinner.
If someone already has underlying genetic hair thinning (female pattern hair loss), the weight loss can make it more noticeable. “That’s why I always do a thorough evaluation to make sure we’re not missing another contributing factor.”
Have you ever experienced hair loss from weight loss?
Is hair loss from weight loss permanent?
Good news! “Telogen effluvium is usually temporary,” attests Dr. Kopelman. In most cases, it will resolve once the body stabilizes at a new, healthy weight, with most patients seeing regrowth within three to six months; full recovery takes up to a year. However, underlying deficiencies, hormonal imbalances or genetic predispositions can affect the recovery process. “That’s why I take a personalized approach, making sure we’re addressing the root cause of the shedding,” he explains.
How to prevent hair loss with weight loss
While Dr. Kopelman explains that this shedding is typically temporary and resolves as the body adjusts to its new weight, there are ways to minimize hair loss during weight loss and encourage regrowth. Dr. Kopelman stresses the importance of slow, steady weight loss and a focus on nutrition:
Prioritize protein
“Hair is made of keratin, a protein, so if you’re not getting enough, your body won’t waste energy growing hair,” explains Dr. Kopelman.
Enlist these nutrients
“I always emphasize a balanced diet with enough protein, iron, zinc and biotin—that’s the foundation for healthy hair.”
Consider supplements
A high-quality hair-focused supplement like Nutrafol or Viviscal can help bridge any nutritional gaps.
Give your hair some TLC
Use gentle hair care practices and avoid excessive heat styling, tight ponytails and harsh chemical treatments while the hair is in a fragile state which can all exacerbate or lead to hair loss.
4 easy ways to regrow hair after weight loss
“The sooner we address the issue, the better the outcome,” says Dr. Kopelman. Here are some simple at-home solutions.
Apply a 5% minoxidil treatment
The over-the-counter treatment (also found in Rogaine) is clinically proven to help restart the hair cycle and help women regrow their hair. Click through to learn more about how minoxidil works.
Massage your scalp
Studies have shown that scalp massage can help increase hair thickness and may even help alopecia sufferers regrow hair. And adding in growth-inducing ingredients like rosemary oil (learn how to make your own here) or caffeine-infused serums can boost benefits. One study found that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil in regrowing hair. To do: Use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp in small, circular motions starting at the hairline and moving toward the back of the head.
Let strands “smell” some sandalwood
British research reports that when applied to the scalp, the woodsy aroma of sandalwood boosts hair-growth hormones in follicles by 30 percent. Our hair follicles contain the same receptors responsible for our sense of smell—the oil’s aroma stimulates these receptors and promotes new growth. To do: Combine 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil and 2 Tbs. of olive oil. Rub onto the scalp and damp hair and let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse.
Give your hair a little tug
Taking two minutes a day to gently pull on your hair activates genes that encourage hair growth, increasing the diameter of each strand by 8 percent. This leads to a noticeable boost in thickness in four months, says one study.